We honor and celebrate the life of Rhoda Lynn Howard, daughter of the late McDaniel Howard and the late Rene C. “Miss Rene” Purdy, was born in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

She received her formal education in the Harrisburg School District and graduated from Harrisburg High School in 1978. She was a cheerleader and in the band front for the Mighty Cougars. Mainly because she didn’t like running and track was not her thing. Having a desire to further her education she received her Bachelor’s Degree from Shippensburg University.

During her working career, she worked at Pinnacle Health as a security guard and then she was employed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Transportation, from where she retired with 20 years of service.

Rhoda was also involved in her community. She worked the voting polls for years and even ran for city council.

In her leisure, Rhoda enjoyed life. She loved to shop and loved clothes. She also enjoyed traveling and music. She traveled to all types of musical events. She loved the Hampton Jazz Festival and was scheduled to make it there this year. She was an avid football fan...Fly Eagles Fly. She enjoyed good food, family and friends. She loved to dance and she gets that from her mom.

On Sunday, June 1, 2025, at the age of 65 years, Rhoda Lynn Howard, transitioned into eternal life at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, surrounded by loved ones.

She leaves to celebrate her life, her sisters, Lenette Y. Purdy Brown, Romaine E Purdy and Denise L Purdy; her brothers, McDaniel Purdy Sr., Roy Purdy and Vernon Purdy. She also leaves behind her daughter/niece, Natisha Thompson and her children, Tishauna Thompson, Leo McDonald, Lequan McDonald, Denali Thompson, Jonisha Thompson and Jyree Bellamy; her nieces and nephews, Marcus, Shawna, Edward, Ross, Robert, Chris, Julian, McDaniel, Bridgette and Morgan and a host of great and great great nieces and nephews, cousins and friends. Also, her close and dear Sister friends, Tammy, Needie, Wanda, Roni and Shyanne.

Rhoda’s life will be celebrated at 11:00 am on Friday, June 13, 2025 with a viewing and visitation from 9:30-11:00 am in the Sanctuary of Baptist Fellowship Church, 3985 N 2nd Street, Harrisburg, PA 17110.

Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Rhoda to the American Cancer Society, 3211 N. Front Street, Harrisburg, PA 17110.